February 21 is my “blogiversary” (yes, that’s a thing). I’ve learned so much in the years I have been blogging, but there is still SO much more to learn. I hope this series might encourage some of you to start a blog and give some helpful tips if you’re a new blogger. Here are 5 reasons I blog, and why you should too:

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1. Accountability
I shared here, in my very first post, my main reason for starting the blog one year ago. In the beginning I wrote once a week with a before picture of a decluttering project, and then the following week I posted an after picture of the same project. It was a simple format that helped me focus on completing a task, and also process the thoughts I was having while decluttering. When I first started there were many rationalizations and realizations whirling around in my head and writing it down helped settle them and bring clarity.
Now I am writing and sharing my monthly goals along with the progress of our larger and smaller decluttering projects.
Have you thought about starting a #blog? Already blog? Here are 5 reasons I do it. What are yours? #blogging Click To TweetRELATED: 8 Bad Blogging Habits and How to Break them
2. Community
When I started blogging I was sure there were people like me who yearned to see others working through the process of decluttering and simplifying their lives. I have been honored to interact with so many people through this blog. Many are still in the process of decluttering and re-evaluating their relationship to stuff, just like me. I call myself an “aspiring minimalist” because I love the values of minimalism but I’m not there yet.
Since I’ve recently started budgeting, I’ve been reading and interacting with many new readers who are also trying to budget and live well while practicing frugality. When you’re trying something that feels difficult, surrounding yourself with others who are doing the same thing is priceless. If you need a group to encourage you while decluttering, come join our Slow and Steady Decluttering Facebook group.
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3. Encouragement and Authenticity
There is so much on the internet that can make us feel discouraged – uncluttered and perfectly decorated homes, fit bodies, and stories of great financial success. I am pretty inspired by those stories, but they feel so far from my reality. I wanted to show my “mess” so that others would be encouraged to face their “mess” as well.
The goal of the blog isn’t to stay in our mess – but to make small changes that eventually become habits. Blogging about my struggle to make decluttering, praying, meal planning, and budgeting daily habits hopefully encourages others that it’s never too late to start making changes.
I’m in my 40s and still learning how to consistently implement the daily habits that many young 20 something wives and moms are blogging about. There’s a part of me that wants to kick myself and say, “You should have that down pat by now.” Decluttering negative self talk has been a large part of this journey to simple. My mantra around here is progress, not perfection. We can all make progress – perfection is a myth.
We can all make progress. Perfection is a myth. #blogging #habits Click To Tweet4. To make a Side Income
I didn’t start blogging with the intent to make money, but it is one benefit of blogging. There are bloggers who are making a little bit of money (me) and there are bloggers who are making a great full-time income (not me). Since I work part-time, increasing my income to help pay for blog expenses and educational resources has been helpful.
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5. Writing is Healing
I worked with a principal who gathered the staff together for morning prayer before the children arrived. She would stretch out her arms and wiggle her long fingers while saying, “Touching is healing,” and we would grasp one another’s hands in a circle of prayer.
I find writing is healing. Growing up, I always kept a “diary” or a journal. I lost the discipline and joy of that somewhere along the way. Blogging is getting me back into a regular habit of writing. If writing isn’t your thing, there is “vlogging” (video blogging) or podcasts.
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Have you thought about starting a blog? If you’re already a blogger, why did you first start blogging? I’d love to know!
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I agree with & blog for ALL these reasons. So happy to have met you via MinsgameBOSS! ❤️
Hi Sara! I’m so glad to have met you through the MinsgameBOSS as well – what a great community of people. Thanks for reading and commenting. I appreciate it!
Best of luck growing your blog this year! I’m trying to do the same 🙂 And I love the sense of community as well!
Thanks Alexandra! Slowly but surely…Keep up the great work!
Congratulations on your Blogiversary! I’m loving the community aspect, too.
Thanks Abby! I’m glad we’re in community together!
Love your reasons for blogging and can really relate! I too find writing very healing, and like you am glad blogging has brought writing back into my life.
Thank you Erin!
This past November was my 1 year blogiversary. I have not been as consistent as I would like to be (I’m working on that now). I agree with all of your reasons for blogging. It is a great outlet and I’ve learned so much about myself.
Hi Renee! It’s so hard to be consistent – Especially if you have little ones and/or work too. I’m learning how to recognize my limits and work within them. Here’s to our second year of blogging!
Congratulations on you blog anniversary! I am about three and and a half months into my blog journey and a lot of what you have written resonates with me.
It’s nice to read about real people who feel the same as me.
Hi Sam! It’s exciting and overwhelming isn’t it? Thank you connecting!
I completely agree that writing is healing! It is most definitely my outlet! I also don’t know where I would be without some of my blogging friends, so yes, the community is important! Thank you for sharing this at the #SmallVictoriesSundayLinkup!
Thanks Echo!
I have found writing to be very therapeutic. When thoughts are put on paper it does make a difference. You mentioned awesome insights.
Thank you Betty. Writing thoughts and ideas down provides me with clarity that sometimes doesn’t come otherwise. Thank you for reading and commenting. I truly appreciate it!
These are great reasons to blog! I would add one: to have fun! Blogging allows me to write about what I want, the way I want and still have fun in the process.
That’s a good one Rosa!
I write my blog for the same reasons. It also pushed me to do and try new things. I have more to write about because of it and it keeps our family life more interesting!
I agree Isabelle. It does force me to try new things and stretch myself. Thank you for commenting!
I agree with this. Writing helps keep me sane. I’m so thankful for my blog.
Thanks for commenting Amber!
Happy Blogiversary, Angela! How exciting! Your #3 reason is one of the reasons I do this, too. I really got into blogging because I want to encourage other moms. I love to facilitate those “me, too!” and “I thought I was the only one” moments…the community you mentioned. And if nothing else, when I share what a mess I am, I trust it makes other moms feel great about themselves! 😉 Stopping by from The Alder Collective party!
Thanks Elizabeth! I’m going over to check out your messes now! ?
Hey Angela,
Happy Anniversary! I started about a year ago as well.
And, I love all of the reasons you have shared to blog. There are so many amazing friendships and connections to be made online. I’ve even gotten to meet some of my favorite online friends in person! It’s been sweet.
I came over on Alder tonight.
Hope you have a good evening~
Melanie
Hi Melanie! Happy Blogiversary to you too! That would be fun to meet some of my blogging friends in person. Thank you for coming by!
Angela, great expression of what you do and why. I feel the same way. I don’t know why I’m so passionate about writing (something I’ve always loved to do) and growing my blog and community. I love sharing and you are so right about accountability. Congrats on the anniversary. Mine is August 15th and I can’t wait to see what happens between now and then.
Hi Carol, thanks for reading and commenting. I’m sure great thugs are in store for you and your blog!
These are all wonderful reasons for blogging! I find writing to be very healing, too. Thanks for sharing with Merry Monday this week!
Thanks for hosting Emily!
It looks like we started our blogs around the same time. Happy Blogiversary! Like you, I consider myself a minimalist-in-training. It happens in fits and spurts.
Happy Blogiversary Jill!
Yes!! I couldn’t agree with you more.
I love my community, blogging has brought along such wonderful friendships.
WRITING IS HEALING!! ::::HANDS IN THE AIR EMOJI:::
Thank you for sharing with us at #MMBH!
XOXO
Thank you for your enthusiasm! It made me smile.
I first started because I wanted to write. Now, it’s also to encourage others.
Those are great reasons Rashel
I agree with you wholeheartedly about the healing aspects of writing, the accountability blogging gives you and it’s nice to have a little side income when I’m a stay at home mom who was worked full time for 15 years and earned my share of the household income. I never thought I’d love blogging as much as I do when I started on my blogspot blog 5 years ago (gasp!).
Thanks for sharing with Small Victories Sunday Linkup. Pinned to our linkup board. And the readers chose you as a Featured Blogger AGAIN this week. Congrats! I love reading your posts, keep up the great work!
Thank you Tanya. I’m glad to hear you’ve been at this awhile – you’re so very organized! Maybe with time (and great blogging resources from bloggers like you) I’ll get it together planning wise. Thanks for the party -it’s one of the best!
I agree completely! Writing is healing. Congrats on your Blogiversary! That is so so exciting. Thanks so much for linking up with The Alder Collective 🙂 We always love your great posts!
Thank you Kelsie! Thank you for hosting a great, intimate party.
I also love the community of bloggers! I learn a ton from other people’s blogs. I first started blogging (with my current blog) to share my photographs. Slowly, I have been writing posts. I love blogging!
Hi Gigi, thanks for stopping by! Photography is something I’m looking to grow in for the blog. That’s neat that you started out with the photography as a focus.
Hi Angela, these are all great reasons to blog — I especially love point #3. I started it as part of a personal journey and a way to extend encouragement to others. I feel so blessed to have made many blogging friends along the way and be part of a supportive and helpful community. I’m so glad our paths crossed as well.
Hi Marva! Thank you for coming by and sharing your thoughts. I feel like I’m still a “baby” in the blogging world, but I’m so thankful for the people who share their wisdom and encouragement. I’m thankful for other newbies that are learning right next to me too. It’s nice to have “classmates” in the blogging world!
I love this, Angela! So great to hear your motivation for blogging, keep up the good work!
Congrats on one year 🙂 I love your 5 reasons, nice motivation. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I also blog for many of the same reasons. Accountability and the healing of writing are big ones! Congratulations on one year! Looks like you are off to a great start! Linking up with you at #intentionalathome 🙂
Thank you Rebekah!
Community and healing are reasons that top my list. Thanks for sharing on Literacy Musing Mondays.
Three years!! That’s amazing! You go girl! Congrats, proud of you!
Great article! I’m a new blogger and really resonate with your reasons for blogging. Accountability is a good thing for me. Lol. Visiting from Our Mini Family Linky Party.
Happy Blogiversary! Love your blog.
I started my blog during on-line Bible studies about what I was studying. It’s become more like you with goals, but I think primarily now for me to leave a legacy for my children and grandchildren.
Happy blogiversary, Angela! I just had my 8th this month. Where have the years gone?! I hope you have many more years of blogging.
I just started a blog and this is super encouraging, especially the part about writing being healing! So much truth. I journal and decided that I might as well be blogging. So here goes!
I actually started this same blog a little over 10 years ago with a friend. It was a way to share more about the things that we loved. I think blogging is a great way to find community.
-Lauren